Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
With an overall Carivo score of 7.3/10, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class earns a Good rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 9.5/10, while Value at 5.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.3/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. Safety is a strength too — 8.7/10 by our scoring. As with any car, verify the official ratings for your specific trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.0/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology scores 9.5/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.
Priced from $121,385–$147,728, 25 MPG, seating 5, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class sits in the luxury tier of the sedan market. The value score of 5.6/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 1 year old, it's recent enough that the core feature set holds up well against current competition.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, but it needs the right buyer. Its reliability and value scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Sedans
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class ranks #802 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 39% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $121,385 starting price is about 339% above the segment's median of $27,664.
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which S-Class Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class scores 7.0/10 — within striking distance of the 2025's 7.3 — and starts roughly $10,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
Best-in-class infotainment, driver assistance, and connectivity features
✗ Where it falls short
Below-average reliability data — factor in potential repair and maintenance costs
Value-for-money is a weak point; comparable alternatives offer more for the price
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
Premium price bracket — make sure the score justifies the outlay vs. segment alternatives
Common Questions — 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable?
We rate the 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class's reliability 6.3/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
Is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class worth buying?
It scores 7.3/10 overall, ranking #802 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 39% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class cost?
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class starts at $121,385 and ranges up to $147,728 across trims (MSRP when new). At 25 MPG, expect roughly $2,100/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which S-Class years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest S-Class years we've rated are 2014 (6.5/10), 2015 (6.7/10), 2018 (6.8/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.3/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
Owner Essentials — Mercedes-Benz S-Class
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Similar Sedan to Consider
Other sedans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Mercedes-Benz models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
Representative photo — may show another model year
